Ravel's 4th sonata for violin and cello "Vif avec entrain” set the stage yesterday morning for the presentation of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2009-2010 season. An extremely concentrated season, marked by various joint efforts including the Monte Carlo Ballet, the Monaco Dance Forum, the Hamburg Ballet and the 100th anniversary of the Ballets Russes in which the Orchestra is deeply involved.

A must for music lovers, the concerts at the Prince’s Palace are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Throughout the summer, works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Richard Strauss, performed on the occasion of the very first season in 1959, will alternate with works in tribute to the Ballets Russes, Moussorgski, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. On 2nd August, Leonard Bernstein, little known as a composer, will be in the spotlight with one of his creations conducted by Yakov Kreizberg.

The return of the great musician Daniel Barenboïm to Monaco will mark the beginning of the season. He will be performing together with the Orchestra on 25th September and will give a recital two days later. A programme featuring a wide range of Russian works will follow with 14 concerts performed in celebration of the anniversary of the Ballets Russes. Greater focus will be given to the works of Igor Stravinsky as well as a performance in conjunction with the Monte Carlo Ballet for the Rite of Spring, the Firebird and Puccinella.

Recordings will also be made of creations that marked the history of the Ballets Russes.

A tribute to Diagilev, with a free concert, will be made on Heritage Day 27th September.

Also worth noting, Daphnis and Chloé, a renowned work by Ravel will be performed in its complete version.

2010-2011, marked by Gustave Mahler’s 150th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of his death, will bring musical harmony to the most sensitive ears with performances of his symphony n° 4 and Quartet with piano.

A rich and varied programme for this first season totally involving Yakov Kreizberg, who has been nominated the Musical Director of the Orchestra in September 2009.